A water bomber attacks the fire a few days after the blaze began. Feb. 14, 1990. Hamilton Spectator archives.

The Hagersville tire fire burned for 17 days from the early morning hours of Feb. 12, 1990, making headlines around the world. Bringing it under control took huge effort, including the use of two waterbombers normally used to fight forest fires. The fire covered an area the size of 18 football fields.